Luteinising hormone blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Luteinising hormone, usually shortened to LH, is made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. In women, a surge of LH in the middle of the cycle triggers the release of an egg. In men, LH tells the testes to make testosterone.

Its level helps show whether a hormone question starts in the ovaries or testes, or in the signals from the brain, and it is most useful read alongside FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), oestradiol or testosterone.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• You have irregular, infrequent or absent periods and would like to understand why.
• You are trying to conceive and want a clearer picture of your hormone pattern.
• You are in your forties or fifties and have symptoms you think may relate to the perimenopause.
• You are a man with low libido, low energy or a low testosterone result that needs following up.
• Your GP or practitioner has suggested checking pituitary signalling as part of a wider hormone assessment.

Understanding your result

LH varies across the menstrual cycle, so a woman's result is read against her cycle day, age and any hormonal medicines. A raised LH with a raised FSH can be seen when the ovaries or testes are responding less, as around the menopause. A raised LH relative to FSH is sometimes seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is diagnosed on symptoms and scans as well as blood tests. A low LH can follow intense exercise, low body weight or stress, and less often reflects a pituitary condition.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range for each cycle phase. A result outside it is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast. With a regular cycle, the test is usually taken on day 2 to 5, counting the first day of bleeding as day 1. Men are often tested in the morning if testosterone is checked at the same time. The contraceptive pill, HRT and fertility medicines affect LH, so tell us about them, and pause biotin supplements for two days beforehand, as biotin can interfere with some hormone assays.

LH is often more informative as part of a group. The Hormone Health Check reads LH alongside FSH and oestradiol, and the Fertility Panel with AMH adds ovarian reserve and general health markers. You can also browse every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a luteinising hormone blood test in Chiswick?

The LH blood test costs £49. That covers the blood sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report if you ask for one.

Which day of my cycle should I have the test?

Day 2 to 5 of a natural cycle is usual. If your periods are absent or very irregular, any day can be used.

Can an LH test confirm the menopause?

Not on its own. In women over 45 the menopause is usually recognised from symptoms, and hormone levels swing from month to month in the perimenopause. LH can add context when symptoms are unclear.

Is LH useful for men?

Yes. When testosterone is low, LH helps show whether the testes are not responding or the signal itself is low.